The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has sounded the alarm over fraudulent websites impersonating the official NELFUND student loan portal, urging students, parents, and guardians to remain vigilant and verify information before submitting sensitive data.
In an official statement issued in Abuja by the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND clarified that a fake message has been spreading online. The misleading message falsely claims President Bola Tinubu directed the reopening of the NELFUND student loan portal and includes a link to a counterfeit website.
“We wish to categorically state that this website is FAKE, and the information contained in the message is false and misleading,” Oluwatuyi said. She emphasized that the only legitimate NELFUND student loan portal remains Nelf
As Nigeria’s ambitious student loan scheme gains momentum, scammers have moved quickly to exploit growing demand and curiosity. Oluwatuyi urged the public not to click on unknown or suspicious links and to avoid sharing personal or financial data outside the verified NELFUND website.
Beyond the cautionary message, NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and security in loan processing. “The Fund would always make announcements through its verified platforms,” Oluwatuyi noted, highlighting their presence on X (formerly Twitter) at @nelfund, Instagram at @nelfund, and Facebook and LinkedIn as Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND.
Students and stakeholders who encounter suspicious websites or phishing attempts are encouraged to immediately report them to NELFUND via email at http://info@nelf.gov.ng./ This proactive stance aims to protect applicants from identity theft and fraud at a time when the scheme is expanding rapidly.
Meanwhile, new data reveals the scale and reach of the real NELFUND student loan portal since its official launch in May 2024. According to NELFUND’s Student Loan Disbursement Dashboard (covering data up to June 28, 2025), over 366,000 Nigerian students have received loans totaling approximately N73.1 billion.
Of this amount, around N38.26 billion was allocated for institutional fees, while N34.85 billion was distributed as upkeep allowances. The numbers highlight the real impact of the scheme and why maintaining a secure and authentic NELFUND student loan portal is critical.
Registration figures also show that the digital system is running efficiently. Out of roughly 647,000 students registered, more than 611,000 successfully applied for loans — a completion rate of 94%. The Fund also noted that daily new registrants and applicants continue to grow, reflecting strong trust in the genuine platform.
Beyond universities and polytechnics, NELFUND has plans to extend access to vocational and skills acquisition centres. In a recent announcement, Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr and Executive Director of Operations Iyal Mustapha shared plans to pilot this initiative in Enugu State. Once live, the portal will allow trainees in fields like fashion design to apply for loans covering tuition, living costs, and starter tools.
The drive to digitize and protect student data has become even more urgent following claims of financial discrepancies. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) previously opened inquiries into allegations that only part of a N100 billion allocation reached students. However, NELFUND has firmly rejected these claims, explaining the figures were linked to prior education financing programmes, not the current NELFUND student loan portal. The ICPC has since clarified that no proven fund diversion has been established.
To further safeguard funds and streamline loan processing, NELFUND introduced its Student Loan Access System (SLAS). This digital upgrade requires tertiary institutions to upload verified student data directly, minimizing human error and fraud risk.
In the end, the focus remains on what matters most: making higher education and skills training accessible and affordable. But as digital systems expand, so do the risks. That’s why NELFUND’s warning about fake NELFUND student loan portal links isn’t just a cybersecurity notice; it’s a reminder that trust, transparency, and digital vigilance are essential parts of Nigeria’s education reform journey.
Students are reminded once more: always double-check URLs, use only the official NELFUND student loan portal, and follow verified updates through the Fund’s official social media channels.
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